The main ration card categories, why names differ by state, and how to tell which one you hold.
National categories and state names
Under the National Food Security Act, households are grouped into categories such as Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) for the poorest households and Priority Households (PHH). States use these and add their own schemes and names, so the label on your card depends on where it was issued.
West Bengal e-ration cards, for example, use categories such as AAY, PHH, SPHH and RKSY. Other states use different labels, so read the category printed on your own card or in your state’s food department portal.
What this means for printing
The category does not change how a PVC print is made. We print whatever your file shows, so you do not need a different product for each category.
How to find your category
Look for the category printed on your ration card or e-ration card. If it is not clear, your state’s food and civil supplies department can tell you which category your household is in. Do not rely on a third party’s guess.
Common questions
Does the category change my print? No. We print the file you upload, whatever its category.
Are card names the same in every state? No. States use their own scheme names alongside the national categories.
About this guide
Prepared by GiftKida and last updated on 27 October 2026. Categories and names vary by state; confirm yours with your state food department. This is general information, not legal advice. If something here is unclear or out of date, tell us through the contact page and we will correct it.
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